Jamaican Mango

Anthracothorax mango

The Jamaican Mango, Anthracothorax mango, is a striking, medium-sized hummingbird endemic to the island of Jamaica. Males typically measure around 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length, possess a wingspan of 15-16 cm, and weigh between 8-9 grams. Their plumage is predominantly an iridescent dark bronze-green, appearing almost black in dim light, beautifully contrasted by a deep velvety black throat and chest that shimmers with violet-blue in direct sunlight. A distinctive purplish-chestnut tail...

Habitat

Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats across Jamaica, including gardens, cultivated areas, woodlands, dry limestone forests, and urban parks. It occurs from sea level up to approximately 1500 meters (4,900 feet) in elevation.

Diet

Primarily feeds on nectar from a diverse range of flowering plants and trees, supplemented significantly by small arthropods (insects and spiders) caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.

Behavior

Jamaican Mangos are diurnal and largely solitary, only associating closely during the breeding season. They are notoriously territorial, aggressively defending prime feeding territories by chasing away rival hummingbirds, large insects, and even larger birds from favored flowering trees. Foraging...

Range

The Jamaican Mango is strictly endemic to the island of Jamaica, making it an exclusive resident of this Caribbean nation. It is distributed widely across the island, inhabiting various elevations from the coastal lowlands up into the interior mountains, typically found between sea level and appr...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Jamaican Mango is one of four hummingbird species endemic to Jamaica, showcasing the island's unique biodiversity. - Its scientific name, *Anthracothorax mango*, literally translates to 'coal-breasted' (Anthracothorax) and 'mango' (mango), referring to its dark chest and the genus's frequen...

Back to Encyclopedia